Online BSN to FNP Programs

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 21, 2008

I've seen a few programs that are web based for NP school and wanted to get some honest feedback on what everyones' take on such programs are.
Honestly, I have my own reservations but I am not familiar with the dynamics of these programs. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Personally, I don't think that any NP program that's 100% online is a good thing. I think it cheapens the education and we all suffer as a result. I'm very familiar with students who graduate from some online programs that I won't name. I've known students who had other people take their tests online, because the testing wasn't supervised. People say, "We still have to pass the FNP exam!" I say, "SO WHAT!" A high school student could study and pass that FNP exam...it's that easy!

One online trained NP told me she did the majority of her clinical hours with a neurologist and never once saw a child or OB patient, much less primary care patients. She attended an online FNP program. She also told me she never met her professors nor any students in her classes. This should infuriate every FNP who struggled to find appropriate preceptors during their training.

I live in a city where there is a large online FNP program and it's reputation sucks. Very few doctors are willing to hire their graduates and it has everything to do with the program being 100% online. So, maybe there is some justice in the world!

pedspnp · Sep 21, 2008

what "A high school student could study and pass that FNP exam...it's that easy! " I think that is enough to infuriate any FNP who worked their butts off through school. So much for advancing the NP profession. I dont know of any high school graduate who would know that asthmatics should not take ace inhibitors or what is the first line treatment for HTN.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 21, 2008

I graduated from a combined online/brick & mortar school for my APN. I did not know any of my class mates and that didn't hurt me at all. However, I looked for a variety of clinical preceptors so that I could push myself to get outside my comfort zone. My nursing background was heavily level one trauma center and I was able to get clinical time in a surgical practice, a nursing home, community-based crisis intervention organization, an ICU with an APN-driven vent wean team, and the ER where I worked.

I think any experience is what you make of it. If you stay in the same type of nursing that you are familar with then yes, I agree, your education isn't going to be stellar. However, if you look for new experiences, then you can and do learn a lot via an online program.

pedspnp · Sep 21, 2008

I graduated from a combined online/brick & mortar school for my APN. I did not know any of my class mates and that didn't hurt me at all. However, I looked for a variety of clinical preceptors so that I could push myself to get outside my comfort zone. My nursing background was heavily level one trauma center and I was able to get clinical time in a surgical practice, a nursing home, community-based crisis intervention organization, an ICU with an APN-driven vent wean team, and the ER where I worked.
I think any experience is what you make of it. If you stay in the same type of nursing that you are familar with then yes, I agree, your education isn't going to be stellar. However, if you look for new experiences, then you can and do learn a lot via an online program.

I agree, it is what you make of the experience, my on-line program really encourages the students to get a variety of experiences. If they see that you are staying in the same place for all your clinical experiences that really throw's up a red flag. I do not mind seeking out my own clinical sites, really come on when you are at this stage why do you want some one else to decide where to go. Seeking my own clinical sites is a great way to net-work. Graduation is coming up soon and it never hurts when looking for that first NP job.:typing

revolution · Sep 21, 2008

I've noticed there are NP programs through the University of Phoenix which is normally geared towards "working adults".

Is there such thing as a part-time NP program or program that allows students to work somewhat their normal 'day job' without dedicating 100% of their time to a program?

pedspnp · Sep 21, 2008

yes their is, BALL state, Northern Kentucky University offer pt. I think most programs do. I am on line at NKU. I have tried the traditional on campus program but have found that I learn way more on line. I do have one on one contact with my faculty and advisors. It just depends what works for you. My faculty advisor is one of the reviewers for the pediatric nurse practitoner exam. I remember having her for a class. and her exams were thorough (hard). Even though they were online they were timed and that added a stress element to it. we would have about 60 questions and 60 minutes to complete. So no time to go thumbing through your notes or book.

CNM2B · Sep 21, 2008

I am going to be going to Frontier for their CNM program starting in winter. Frontier requires 2 trips to Kentucky for their program--one in the beginning for 4 days, and then one halfway through (prior to beginning clinical) for 8 days, where we will learn hand skills. Many of the exams are administered via proctor, so it keeps that element of a 'brick and mortar' school. Also, clinical sites are thorougly vetted before you can begin clinical and site visits are made by a faculty member throughout your clinical experience. The clinical requirements are very stringent and so the graduates I've met have been very happy with their experience. So, for me, I think their program is a good mix.

revolution · Sep 21, 2008

Do these online programs set up clinicals for you or is it up to the student?

I think I read it's called a "preceptor". I'd personally rather have the school set up rotations and a curriculum rather than it be left up to the student, especially for an advanced practice nurse.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 21, 2008

There are two thoughts to the preceptorship idea:

1. If you are an experienced RN, you may have had many years in one specialty and instead need experiences in something outside your usual norm. Personally, I wanted to set up my preceptors because I wanted to stretch myself a little professionally. Yes, I could have done all my hours in the ER where I was employed (obviously not during my work time) but would I have learned as much as if I purposely set out to get something different?

2. If the school sets up your clinical experiences, are the preceptors excellent, hands-on teachers who have up to date practices or do all they do is precept? Also, with this, you are stuck with the rotations that the schools thinks is important when maybe you would like to explore other areas.

Personally, since its my educational bucks, I want some say in it - lol.

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 22, 2008

what "A high school student could study and pass that FNP exam...it's that easy! " I think that is enough to infuriate any FNP who worked their butts off through school. So much for advancing the NP profession. I dont know of any high school graduate who would know that asthmatics should not take ace inhibitors or what is the first line treatment for HTN.

We treat asthmatics with ACEI's all the time. It's just that it's difficult to distinguish between the cough caused by ACEI's and the cough caused by asthma. There have been RARE reports of asthmatics on ACEI's having bronchospasms related to the drug. Now, the older beta blockers can be a problem, but the newer ones can be used in asthmatics, but should be avoided in patients with severe asthma.

Any high school student can pick up a copy of the Fitzgerald FNP study guide and learn all of this information. It doesn't take a genius to memorize the JNC 7 guidelines, etc. The FNP exam has a 92% pass rate. It would definitely be feasible for a high school student to study and memorize all this information and pass that test with no problem. BTW, I'm not the only one who believes this. I have several FNP friends and they feel the exact same way about that test. I've taken the FNP, GNP and ANP exam, so I speak from experience.

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 22, 2008

Even though they were online they were timed and that added a stress element to it. we would have about 60 questions and 60 minutes to complete. So no time to go thumbing through your notes or book.

What if another student from your online program had a pediatrician friend taking those pedes tests for him/her? I have a real problem with students being able to take tests without being supervised. There are just too many ways to cheat.